(Practical advice for international buyers, with special focus for EPC solares, wholesalers and project contractors)
The 140th Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair) will take place in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026. For international buyers looking to source productos from China, it remains one of the most efficient platforms to meet manufacturers, compare suppliers, and build long-term business relationships.
Successful participation requires more than just walking through the halls. Buyers need to prepare the right documents, choose the correct exhibition phase, arrange transportation, understand local payment methods, evaluate suppliers carefully, and plan factory or showroom visits.
This complete Canton Fair 2026 guide covers the practical information international buyers need, including:
- How to apply for a China visa and complete Canton Fair buyer registration
- How to travel from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the Pazhou exhibition complex
- How to use Didi car-hailing and public transportation in Guangzhou
- How foreign visitors can use Alipay and WeChat Pay
- Where to find suitable food options (including Halal)
- How to identify reliable Chinese manufacturers
- How to arrange factory and showroom visits after the fair
- Special preparation tips for solar EPCs, wholesalers and project contractors
1. Overview of Canton Fair 2026
1.1 Where Is the Fair?
- Fechas: Octubre 15 - Noviembre 4, 2026
- Recinto: Complejo Ferial de Importación y Exportación de China (Complejo Pazhou)
- No. 382 Yuejiang Zhong Road, distrito de Haizhu, Guangzhou 510335, China
1.2 Weather in Guangzhou
October in Guangzhou is generally warm and humid, with average daytime temperatures of 26–30°C (79–86°F). Pack breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket for air-conditioned halls, and a compact umbrella. The exhibition complex is very large, and buyers often walk several kilometers per day.
1.3 Phases and Categories
The fair is divided into three phases:
| Fase | Fechas | Categorías de productos principales |
|---|---|---|
| Fase 1 | 15 al 19 de octubre | Electronics, home appliances, machinery, industrial automation, new energy, vehicles, hardware, tools, lighting |
| Fase 2 | 23 al 27 de octubre | Housewares, gifts & decorations, building materials, furniture, ceramics, kitchenware, sanitary products |
| Fase 3 | 31 de octubre–4 de noviembre | Textiles, garments, fashion, toys, baby products, home textiles, health products, food, stationery |
Horario de apertura diario: 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Note for solar and energy storage buyers: Phase 1 is the most relevant period.
2. Preparación del viaje
2.1 How to Get Visa
Most overseas buyers need a Chinese business (M) visa. Follow these steps:
- Pre-register as an overseas buyer on the official Canton Fair website and request an invitation letter.
- Prepare your passport (valid for at least six months), invitation letter, company documents, flight itinerary, and hotel booking.
- Apply at the Chinese embassy, consulate, or authorized visa center in your country.
Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry or 144-hour transit visa-free stays. Always check the latest rules for your passport. Start the process 6–8 weeks before travel. After arrival, collect your free buyer badge at the airport, selected hotels, or the fairground.
2.2 How to Fly Guangzhou
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is the main international gateway. Best ways from the airport to Pazhou include:
- Metro: Reliable and economical (about 1–1.5 hours).
- Taxi: Official airport taxis take 40–70 minutes (around CNY 150–200 including tolls).
- Didi car-hailing: The most convenient option for most visitors. Download the app before arrival or use it via Alipay/WeChat. Enter the destination in Chinese (“广交会展馆”). Expect possible surge pricing during the fair.
- Autobuses lanzadera del aeropuerto: Useful if you have heavy luggage.
Suggested arrival timing:
- Southeast Asia → 1 day early
- Europe & North America → 2 days early
- Middle East, Africa, Latin America → Allow extra buffer for connections
Book hotels near Pazhou or along Metro Line 8 early, as prices rise significantly during the fair.
Didi tips: Use it for daily travel between your hotel, the exhibition halls, and factories or showrooms. Have the destination address ready in Chinese and confirm the price before accepting the ride.
2.3 How to Stay
Conectividad:
- Buy an eSIM before departure (Airalo, Nomad, etc.) or get a local SIM at Baiyun Airport (China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom).
- Hotel Wi-Fi is generally reliable, but a local data plan is more flexible when moving around the city and visiting suppliers.
Payments and Currency:
- Link an international Visa or Mastercard to Alipay or WeChat Pay for daily expenses (metro, taxis, Didi, restaurants, shops). Airport service desks can help you set this up.
- Exchange a small amount of cash (CNY 300–500) at the airport or a Bank of China branch. Prefer smaller notes (10, 20, and 50 RMB) plus a few coins — large 100 RMB notes can be difficult to change at small food stalls.
- For supplier payments, the most common terms are 30% deposit + 70% before shipment via bank transfer (T/T). Many factories prefer RMB settlement.
2.4 Food and Dietary Tips
For Muslim buyers: Guangzhou has many Halal (清真) restaurants. The highest concentration is around Huaisheng Mosque and Xiaobei. Near Pazhou, options are more limited — inform your hotel in advance if you need Halal meals.
For visitors not used to Chinese food: Cantonese cuisine is generally milder. Safe starting options include steamed fish, clear soups, congee, dim sum, fried rice, and noodle soups. International chains and hotel restaurants are widely available near Pazhou.
Frases útiles:
- “不要辣” (bù yào là) – No spicy
- “清淡一点” (qīng dàn yī diǎn) – Make it milder
- “我是穆斯林，要清真的” – I am Muslim, I need Halal food
3. Evaluación de proveedores
3.1 Judge Supplier Is Reliable
- Ask clearly: “Are you a factory or a trading company?” “Where is your factory located?” “What are your main export markets?” “Can you show relevant certifications?”
- Request the original business license and note the Unified Social Credit Code. Verify it later.
- Compare at least 3–5 suppliers for the same product category.
- Prefer manufacturers when quality control, lead time, and direct pricing matter.
- Never send a large deposit based only on a conversation at the fair.
3.2 Special Section for Solar
Phase 1 of the Canton Fair attracts a large number of new energy exhibitors. For professional buyers (EPCs, wholesalers, and project contractors), preparation is especially important.
Key points to evaluate when meeting solar and energy storage suppliers:
- Producto certifications and compliance with target market standards
- Real production capacity and quality control processes
- Términos de garantía y soporte posventa
- Experience with export projects and container loading
- Technical documentation and willingness to support project requirements
Many suppliers at the fair are trading companies. Visiting a real showroom or factory helps you verify actual capabilities before making decisions.
3.3 Visit the Sungreat Energy
Energía Sungreat welcomes solar EPCs, wholesalers, and project contractors to visit our Guangzhou showroom during the Canton Fair period.
Aquí puedes:
- View the actual product range
- Discuss technical requirements
- Review project-related support
Importante: Visitas must be scheduled in advance. Please contact us early so we can arrange a suitable time slot and prepare relevant information for your team.
3.4 Arrange Factory Visits?
- Schedule visits during the three-day gaps between phases or immediately after Phase 1.
- Use Didi for flexible door-to-door transport to locations in Guangzhou and the wider Pearl River Delta.
- Combine fair meetings with showroom or factory verification to reduce risk.
4. Practical Action Plan
4.1 Tips for a Smooth Trip
- Prepare target prices, MOQs, and preferred payment terms before entering booths.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the complex is large.
- Download the official Canton Fair app for navigation.
- Keep both digital and physical copies of important documents.
- Frases útiles: “多少钱？” (How much?) / “可以便宜一点吗？” (Can it be a bit cheaper?)
4.2 Pre-Trip Checklist
- Complete overseas buyer pre-registration and obtain invitation letter
- Apply for China visa (if required)
- Book flights and hotel near Pazhou
- Prepare product list and comparison sheets
- Link international card to Alipay / WeChat Pay
- Download Canton Fair app and Didi
- Arrange eSIM or local SIM
- Plan to attend Phase 1 if sourcing new energy products
- Contact Sungreat Energy in advance to schedule a showroom visit
- Exchange a small amount of cash into smaller denominations
- Note dietary needs and inform hotel if required
- Pack light, breathable clothing and a compact umbrella
4.3 Consejos finales
The Canton Fair October 2026 offers a strong opportunity to meet Chinese manufacturers face-to-face. For EPC solares, wholesalers, and project contractors, the combination of Phase 1 meetings and a pre-scheduled showroom visit can significantly improve sourcing quality and reduce risk.
Secure your visa early, choose the right phase, verify suppliers carefully, and use the time between phases for deeper evaluation. With proper preparation, the 140th Canton Fair in Guangzhou can deliver reliable partners and better project outcomes.
For the latest official updates, always check the Canton Fair website before finalizing your travel plans. Safe travels and successful sourcing. We are here to guide you please visit www.sungretenergy.com
Escríbenos! [email protected] or whatsapp or call us on +86 157 7646 7829
